We started the morning kinda huffy because we wanted to get a head start. We knew the heat would be stifiling as we learned the previous days. We took two cars to Firenze and thanks to Dave and Aleisha, had the route well mapped in terms of where to park. Unfortunately, we took the wrong turn out of the parking lot and wound up amid lots of construction on very narrow streets with typical Italian drivers, a 5 year old and a stroller in 95 degree weather. Most importantly…not really 100% sure of which way to go. [sic. We were never lost.] Our destination was the Pitti Palace, the home of all the rulers of Firenze. We purchased tickets for the Palatine gallery and the apartments. We all thought it would be a grand idea to go into the Boboli Gardens, which looked really fun at first glace to explore with the kids. Of course we all failed to notice the size of the gardens. If you glance at a Florence map, you'll notice they are at least double the size of the ENTIRE Pitti Palace! The hills are very steep and nearly impossible with a stroller. Very soon, we all began to realize this wasn't a grand idea after all. We walked all the way to the far south end of the gardens and realized to our horror that you can't get out from there. By the time we left the gardens, everyone was a little stressed so we decided to have lunch!! After lunch we all went separate ways.

Dave and I walked over the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest and only bridge in Florence that was not blown up in WWII. We visited the Firenze Synagogue where I learned about Moorish architecture. The taxi service is Firenze is something American cities should strive for. It was amazing. Various businesses in the city have this button that they press when you inquire about a taxi and it prints out this paper telling you the number of your taxi and when it will arrive. You then have to stand outside the business and it shows up within minutes. We of course couldn't leave Firenze without seeing The David. We spent some time at the San Lorenzo market where David bought a lovely leather jacket. The market is like a flea market with all new goods, primarily leather, china and paper. It was in the market that we learned how important it is to examine the products to be sure they are authentic. We had dinner at this great restaurant that is called Acqua Al Due. Aleisha suggested it and it really was a great place. They have these sampler pastas you order and share with your party so we all can try lots of different dishes. And the desserts were amazing…raspberries….mmm. We took some business cards and found out that they have another restaurant located in San Diego!!